This book explores an area that has been somewhat overlooked in the literature to date - the current status and future trends of English education in Oman. It offers a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches to the subject and explores areas of English education in Oman that have, until now, been little investigated. It explores these issues from a variety of perspectives: the professionalization of English teachers in the country; the implementation of novel teaching methodologies, curricula, and assessment approaches, into what are, in many ways, still very traditional education settings; the integration of learner identity into English language instruction; country- and culture-specific concerns with conducting research with Omani participants; the strategic demands of building stronger links between education and workforce needs; and developing learner autonomy and motivation.

This book examines acknowledged practices and demonstrates to teachers how to make the most out of their assessment practices. It also explores different assessment methods for skills such as reading, writing, listening and speaking. Forecasting the future of assessment and where concepts like alternative assessment and dynamic assessment are heading, it also shows how relatively new teaching methods such as communicative methodologies and problem-based learning are reflected in assessment. This book represents a forum where contributors have presented their research and innovative ideas and practices on the important topic of assessment and opened a fresh debate on it. It offers an excellent reference guide for EFL teachers, practitioners, researchers and testing and assessment specialists. Each chapter examines central issues in assessment and their connection with teaching and learning in EFL contexts.

This book explores an area that has been somewhat overlooked in the literature to date - the current status and future trends of English education in Oman. It offers a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches to the subject and explores areas of English education in Oman that have, until now, been little investigated. It explores these issues from a variety of perspectives: the professionalization of English teachers in the country; the implementation of novel teaching methodologies, curricula, and assessment approaches, into what are, in many ways, still very traditional education settings; the integration of learner identity into English language instruction; country- and culture-specific concerns with conducting research with Omani participants; the strategic demands of building stronger links between education and workforce needs; and developing learner autonomy and motivation.

This book examines acknowledged practices and demonstrates to teachers how to make the most out of their assessment practices. It also explores different assessment methods for skills such as reading, writing, listening and speaking. Forecasting the future of assessment and where concepts like alternative assessment and dynamic assessment are heading, it also shows how relatively new teaching methods such as communicative methodologies and problem-based learning are reflected in assessment. This book represents a forum where contributors have presented their research and innovative ideas and practices on the important topic of assessment and opened a fresh debate on it. It offers an excellent reference guide for EFL teachers, practitioners, researchers and testing and assessment specialists. Each chapter examines central issues in assessment and their connection with teaching and learning in EFL contexts.

This edited volume examines a number of topics related to the roles of individual and contextual factors in English as second or foreign language (ESL/EFL) settings by presenting chapters across the three sections of theoretical and pedagogical approaches, teacher and learner research, and research into the roles of technology. The book has a focus on practical actions and recommendations related to individual and contextual factors in ESL/EFL, with a specific concern with issues of cognition, metacognition, emotion, and identity, and offers perspectives from a diverse range of international education settings. For teachers of ESL/EFL, the effective recognition and integration of individual and contextual factors into the classroom may represent a significant challenge. This is often the case in those settings where native English speaking teachers work in foreign language contexts where they may have limited understanding of local cultures and languages, or where language instructors have class groups that are culturally and linguistically diverse. In these, and similar, contexts, the types and extent of individual and contextual factors impacting on language learning may challenge both learner and instructor expectations of what an effective and supportive classroom is. While such a situation offers numerous opportunities for learners and teachers to expand their knowledge of themselves and each other, it also presents the possibility for ineffective teaching and learning to occur. It is within this framework that the book presents the latest theoretical, pedagogical, and research perspectives from around the world, thereby providing a resource for all stakeholders with an interest in the roles individual and contextual factors play in the English learning process.

This edited volume examines a number of topics related to the roles of individual and contextual factors in English as second or foreign language (ESL/EFL) settings by presenting chapters across the three sections of theoretical and pedagogical approaches, teacher and learner research, and research into the roles of technology. The book has a focus on practical actions and recommendations related to individual and contextual factors in ESL/EFL, with a specific concern with issues of cognition, metacognition, emotion, and identity, and offers perspectives from a diverse range of international education settings. For teachers of ESL/EFL, the effective recognition and integration of individual and contextual factors into the classroom may represent a significant challenge. This is often the case in those settings where native English speaking teachers work in foreign language contexts where they may have limited understanding of local cultures and languages, or where language instructors have class groups that are culturally and linguistically diverse. In these, and similar, contexts, the types and extent of individual and contextual factors impacting on language learning may challenge both learner and instructor expectations of what an effective and supportive classroom is. While such a situation offers numerous opportunities for learners and teachers to expand their knowledge of themselves and each other, it also presents the possibility for ineffective teaching and learning to occur. It is within this framework that the book presents the latest theoretical, pedagogical, and research perspectives from around the world, thereby providing a resource for all stakeholders with an interest in the roles individual and contextual factors play in the English learning process.

Different regions of the world are making increasing demands for educational reform, especially when institutions are dissatisfied with the level of proficiency of their graduates. Since the realization of how important English education is to global success, reform to English education is becoming progressively vital in societies all over the world. Curriculum Reform Initiatives in English Education provides research exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of a variety of areas related to English education and reform, as well as applications within curriculum development and instructional design. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as teachers' roles, teaching methods, and professional development, this book is ideally designed for researchers, educators, administrators, policymakers, interpreters, translators, and linguists seeking current research on the existing body of knowledge about curriculum reform in English education in an international context.

Educators continue to strive for advanced teaching methods to bridge the gap between native and non-native English speaking students. Lessons on written forms of communication continue to be a challenge recognized by educators who wish to improve student comprehension and overall ability to write clearly and expressively Methodologies for Effective Writing Instruction in EFL and ESL Classrooms brings together research and practices for successful written communication teaching among students of diverse linguistic backgrounds. With technological advancements and resources, educators are able to implement new tools into their lesson plans for the benefit of their students. This publication is an essential reference source for professionals, educators, and researchers interested in techniques and practices for written communication in English language teaching geared towards non-native English speaking students.

Graduate employability is often put forth as a marker of the success of a given institution or education system. High rates of school and university graduates in jobs offer a number of potential advantages for a country, including encouraging social mobility, increasing citizen participation and social stability, and making national economies more productive. The importance of achieving these and many other associated outcomes has recently received greater attention in many developing nations; this is especially the case in those countries where English assumes an important role as a mediator of educational and economic success. A number of authors claim that the gap between education, training and employment can be closed through the development of academic and employment skills such as motivation, time management, literacy and communication competence. This book explores the ways in which communication and literacy skills can be developed through English language instruction in EFL settings to help bring together the aims and outcomes of education and employment.